Question for April 24th - April 30th, 2012

[Seishiro17]

Now that the AVA world gets more than one or two paid gigs, I can finally post this question.

If you've ever received a paid role through the boards, how do you go about presenting yourself? How does getting paid for your voice work affect your process?

Do you use your online persona, or do you just present your legal identity since money is involved? How do you keep in touch with the client? Do you change the way you take direction since money is involved? Do you spend a little extra time recording so it's just right? Questions like these are just a start in this area. I think we're all a little curious as to how our peers face this situation, so feel free to elaborate!


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As always, please continue to send some new question ideas via PM over to to Seishiro17 (http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/member.php?1271-Seishiro17), Cydonia (http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/member.php?11232-Cydonia) or Sukisho (http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/member.php?50-Sukisho). Make sure the subject is "Question of the Week" so we know what it's for :D

[Tomoyo Ichijouji]

Well, the funny thing is, any 'paid' gigs I am involved in didn't start out as paid gigs. That is, there was no payment guaranteed or even proposed really for the project, but when the project or production team ended up being successful, suddenly I was getting money. XD;; So, I guess to answer the question, I don't really do anything different, to be honest.
(Does this answer count?)

[Ovarku]

I avoid using my online alias/persona for paid gigs, just for the sake of being a little more professional. I keep in touch with a client as much as possible to make sure to let them know I'm not taking them for a ride (like right now, I have an opportunity for a paid gig, I got paid a little in advance, but I'm not touching it until the project is complete). Now while I do the same with non-paid projects, in regards to how I treat the head of the project (with respect of course), when pay is involved, I postpone anything that isn't paid (no disrespect to anyone i'm working alongside with in projects, but I do need to make a little extra money).

I have the same ethics, but they become more professional when money is involved or it's higher profile.

[AmyAnn]

I always use "Amy Ann" since, well...it's my name. It's not my FULL name but it's what I use and what I will always use, paid or not. I treat them the same way I do unpaid roles because, at the end of the day, it's a role and you have to put your all into it. Don't halfass unpaid and then go all out on paid. Sure, I take extra care but I like to think that I treat both paid and unpaid equal.

[ScottStoked]

If you've ever received a paid role through the boards, how do you go about presenting yourself?
I think I treat everyone the same whether it's a paid gig or not. I let them know where I found the audition and that I thought it was interesting and then thank them for listening. I keep it all short and to the point initially.

How does getting paid for your voice work affect your process?
Paid work always goes to the top of the priority list. When paid gigs come along and it looks like they might take some time, I let my non-paying projects know right away if there's going to be a delay with getting them my lines.

Do you use your online persona, or do you just present your legal identity since money is involved?
It depends, but usually my real name.

How do you keep in touch with the client?
Normally via email.

Do you change the way you take direction since money is involved?
For paid gigs, I'm willing to take direction over Skype. But for non-paying gigs, I'm not willing to change around my non-va life to accommodate.

Do you spend a little extra time recording so it's just right?
I try to do my best with any role, but if they're paying, I'm much quicker to get them any re-takes if required.